The first immigrants from China's island province Hainan to arrive in Thailand's southern resort province of Phuket had to make the arduous journey by sea, but soon visitors from Chinese Hainan province will be able to visit Phuket much more easily, thanks to the introduction of a direct flight link.

Phattanaphong Ekwanich, president of the Phuket Tourism Association, has described the proposed air link as a new step towards greater tourism and trade cooperation, the Thai News Agency reported Friday.

Last week, Phattanaphong Ekwanich visited Hainan and witnessed the signing of a twin town agreement between the two island provinces.

Under the deal, which will first have to be submitted to the Thai and Chinese governments for further consideration, Hainan Airlines, which has a fleet of over 100 aircraft and is in the process of expanding, will provide a direct air link between the two provinces, the report said.

(China Daily May 27, 2005)